The Department of Higher Education and Training released the 2018 report on the “Evaluation of University’s Research Output”. Overall Based on its 2018 Research Productivity. The evaluation is done based on the 2015 Research Outputs Policy[1]. The policy aims to encourage research productivity by rewarding quality research outputs at public institutions.
According to the report shared with institutions, DUT produced a total of 344.93 publication units in 2018 which is a 1.8% share of the total overall sector publication units. This ranks DUT in 1st position amongst Universities of Technology in South Africa on this indicator and 13th out of the 26 public institutions. The top institution on this indicator had 2069.86 units claiming a 10.8% share of the sector units. In terms of conference proceedings, DUT produced 18.46 units (9th position), research publication per capita (based on the headcount of permanent staff – 17th position) and is 15th in terms of the weighted per capita research output based on 605 academics, 345.43 publication units, 130 masters and 195 doctoral units with an overall of 669.93 units with a weighted research per capita ratio of 1.11 which is well above the norm for Universities of Technology. This is a remarkable improvement from where the institution has come from.
The area still needing improvement is the percentage of staff with PhDs which was at 29.6% in 2018 appearing 22nd on the list. The national average of academics with PhDs is 48%. Despite this deficit DUT was placed 6th (0.36) in terms of the ratio that looks at the proportion of doctoral graduates per doctorate. This increased from 0.23 in 2015.
Our research impact in terms of SciVal (scopus data analytics tool) shows that the DUT field-weighted citation impact from 2016 to-date is 2.74. This means that DUT’s publications have been cited 174% more than the global average of 1 on the whole scopus database.
We encourage our researchers and postgraduate students to continue making an impact and of course finding ways to also help with the prevention, care and support initiatives to combat COVID-19. To this end we also acknowledge the work being done by our staff and students in the research and innovation area with the 3D printing, mask production and supporting our Province through various initiatives that help the most vulnerable people within our communities fight COVID-19. Even this will come to pass one day!
Visit https://www.dutalumni.com/dutcovid-19 for more information.
Best wishes for 2020 despite the current COVID-19 challenges and congratulations!
Pictured: Professor Sibusiso Moyo-DVC of Research, Innovation and Engagement.
[1] http://www.dhet.gov.za/Policy%20and%20Development%20Support/Research%20Outputs%20policy_2015.pdf
